Door handle issue
 

2005 X5 3.0i Sports

Rear driver's side door handle issue: I can only open from the inside, not outside. I have window privacy shade and my mechanic doesn't want to try removing the panel as he's not familiar with this car. Before I take it to the dealer, can anyone recommend any other option? Just in case, I am in chicago area.

As one person mentioned, nope it's not the child lock. :p:

Thank you.

Door carrier..

PM your preferred location (south, loop, west, north) and I will reply back

Child door lock prevents a child or anybody else from opening the doors from the inside. I prefer to call them criminal door locks since the LEO (law enforcement officers) cars are set up so that a you can't open the rear doors from within the car.

Also removing the door panel isn't very difficult. I followed this video, that also shows how to remove the privacy shade, when removing my panel. Instead of a screw driver for the shade part I used the panel trim removal tools (plastic ones) as to not damage the covers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCoToH_Osow

I used an angled pick to pop loose the privacy shade. Worked perfect without any fuss.

What would be the approximate cost to repair this? Dealer vs shops?

Babyduke. For prospective 1 labor hr at the dealer or a good indy is more than the part itself. IMO go to realoem.com, lookup the part then buy it. Consider spending maybe 3hrs if you are first timer

The drivers rear door carrier part# 51228243635 is what you are needing. Fits 00-06 X5. I just went through this myself and it took me a while as I ran into a few snags on removing the side privacy trim, removing the old carrier and putting the handle end cap back on and getting that Allen bolt to line up with that cap. I went with an aftermarket carrier kit which is probably why I had a few issues aligning up with Allen bolt. But than again from what I hear its hit and miss as Ive heard some state they had no issues with aftermarket what so ever. If I had to do it again I would go with a OEM carrier! That's just me. I think now that I know what to expect and how the pieces go in and out I should be able to do this pretty quick.

Let me know if you want to tackle this and Ill assist as best as I could.

Thanks. I will indeed try to tackle this myself first.

I did this yesterday and I had bought an OEM carrier made by Hamman. The part did not fit. It does NOT align with the tiny hole of the trim piece where the lock cylinder would be for the driver's door (the one for the hex screw).

This wasted about 3 hours of my time, thinking I was not putting the part back on correctly. So, do yourself a favor and buy the original part or buy an OEM part which others have found to fit.

I already ordered the aftermarket. Cost was one thing but I don't trust the BMW OEM door carrier. Can't believe this is a common issue for bimmers which is just ridiculous. I've owned a bunch of cars from Lexus, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Land Rover, Dodge etc but never had a handle issue on any of them.

Yeah, I agree with you. It is ridiculous. If only the cars did not look this good or drive so well when they are driveable... LOL

after reading about the aftermarket lack of fitment, i went with an OEM one, sure it was pricey, but it worked and fit perfectly! i managed to get the entire job done in an hour, (no window shades mind you!) the allen bolt is a pain to align, but once you get it, its good. I would also recommend cleaning and waxing the area under/around the door handle, its open and exposed now, and why not! :)
I still cant believe that they break so often! I had to re-teach my wife how to open a door handle, gently lift upward, not yank it towards her.

Great idea. I should clean and wax the area of the handle before installing.

Glad to know I wasn't the only one that was having issues with that allen bolt! lol

Purchased Hamman door carrier from Ebay for $28. Allen bolt align was not easy. Then again, it wasn't easy with the OEM either when I tried to use the same one. But Hamman worked out fine and working great!